Researchers at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in the US have created a biohybrid drone from stuffed dead birds. Drones made from birds could be used for espionage and wildlife exploration.

TikTok: drone flies over the countryside and scares residents

Professor Mostafa Hassanalian, lead author of the study, claims that dead birds can be turned into drones. “Instead of using artificial materials, we can use dead birds and turn them into drones.” Half animal, half machine, drones are able to fly and glide without flapping their wings. Devices are built using parts of doves, pheasants, hummingbirds and stuffed ravens.

The animal’s head, feathers and wings are removed and then connected to mechanical parts to automate their work. To simulate the flapping of the wings, the researchers used 3D flapping software and aerodynamic simulators. “This made it possible to introduce impact mechanisms and test the aerodynamics of the drone,” commented the researchers.

technological necromancy

For espionage missions, researchers are exploring ways to make the drone quieter by replacing some parts. In addition, Hassanalian is also exploring ways to make biohybrid drones more dynamic by adding legs so that birds/drones can land and spy on people or follow wildlife. “The final improvement will be the addition of legs so the drone can land and control without draining a lot of battery.”

Turning a dead bird into a drone seems like an idea straight out of a sci-fi movie where mages resurrect the dead with necromancy. Now the research has an interesting purpose, and it’s not the only one of its kind in the world, as Japanese researchers are also exploring ways to turn cockroaches into cyborgs. If research progresses, we will soon have birds/drones camouflaged among flocks of birds.

DJI puts on a drone light show to celebrate its 16th anniversary – Watch Video
The show took place in Shenzhen, China.

Source: New Mexico Institute of Technology.

…..